Redmond at a glance
- Where
- North end of the Eastside, King County, at the top of Lake Sammamish
- Big names nearby
- Microsoft and Nintendo of America headquarters, plus aerospace and technology suppliers
- Companies that sell well
- IT services, engineering and testing firms, childcare, fitness, home and property services
- Confidentiality
- Close knit business community, so quiet marketing matters
- Who buys
- Technology professionals buying businesses, competitors, and private equity platforms in services and tech
A Strong Pool of Buyers
Redmond and the surrounding Eastside have many experienced professionals who want to own a company. Some have savings and stock to put toward a down payment, and many qualify for SBA financing.
These buyers like businesses with systems, reporting and a team. If you are the system, start writing it down.
Technology and Engineering Services
Firms that provide IT support, software services, testing or engineering work for the region's larger companies draw interest from strategic buyers. Their main question is whether client relationships will survive the transition.
Our page on engineering firms covers how buyers judge backlog and client concentration.
Keep It Quiet
Word travels fast in a smaller city. A broker can market your company without naming it and share details only after a buyer signs a confidentiality agreement and shows they can pay.
Who Buys Redmond Companies
Strategic buyers in technology and engineering services look for client relationships and skilled staff. Home and property service companies draw competitors and first time owners.
Private equity platforms in childcare, fitness and healthcare also look at Eastside companies with multiple locations.
Preparing for a Sale
- Monthly financials and a documented list of add backs
- Client contracts and revenue by client for three years
- An organization chart showing who does what without you
- Lease terms for every location
Timing the Sale
Eastside buyers move quickly when they find a good fit, but financing still takes time. Plan for several months from first conversation to closing, longer if real estate or licenses are involved.
Starting the preparation a year ahead gives you room to fix what a buyer will find.
State Paperwork Still Applies
Redmond companies deal with the same state filings as Seattle ones: the Department of Revenue final return, sales tax on equipment, and employer accounts. Start with the tax clearance guide.
To find out what your company might bring, use the price check form or call (206) 555-0171. More background is on Seattle Business Brokers Desk.